Inclusion London said it was left “extremely disappointed” that the plans to improve accessibility at Peckham Rye station in south London had been shelved by the Department for Transport (DfT).
The station is the busiest interchange in the country without step-free access, and saw almost six million passengers pass through it last year.
The upgrade would have transformed the station’s step-free access to platforms and would have made a difference to the lives of disabled passengers, the elderly and parents with buggies who use the station.
But plans to install lifts, have accessible toilets, wider platforms, new staircases and larger gate lines and entrances at the station were halted after the DfT announced it was “pausing” the scheme as part of June’s spending review.
The DfT said it was prioritising funding other projects “that will make the greatest difference for passengers and economic growth as soon as possible”.
A spokesperson for Inclusion London said: “Disabled people need equal access to public transport in order to work, study, participate in our communities and live fulfilling lives.
“Making the busiest interchange in the country step-free would free disabled Londoners who use this station from the stress and misery of an inaccessible commute. We urge DfT to reconsider its decision.”
Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development at Southwark Council said the authority was also “very disappointed” the plans had been paused.
Cllr Dennis said: “Improving accessibility and reducing overcrowding is vital for passengers and Southwark’s residents.
Our £27million station square transformation, which will create a vibrant civic space and deliver major public realm improvements, is still going ahead.
“Transforming the square and the new station together is vital to improving the area for local people, including unlocking more jobs, opportunities and much-needed new genuinely affordable homes.”
Cllr Dennis said the council has contributed £1million to support the station upgrade and remains “fully committed” to working with all partners to find a way forward.
A DfT spokesperson said: “The scheme will be kept under review as part of our pipeline of schemes for potential progression in future as funding becomes available.”
